CraigS

Hey,

I had a problem with my car just shuting off while driving, no sputtering just dies, I read up and I changed my fuel filter = problem solved, but the problem is back and im not sure if I should replace the fuel filter again or if there is something eles causing the problem? Thanks for the help ahead of time!

jfairladyz

not a fuel problem. I can almost guarantee it's an electrical connectin of some sort. The most common source of this problem seems to be the ignition module though. Go around and check for any loose connections in the ignition system.

CraigS

So its something just as easy as cleaning an electrical connection, wow thats great!

jfairladyz

could be...if its the IM then it will continue to cause problems til you replace it. But definitely go through connections first. Give the connector to the ignition module a shake while the engine is running and see if the car start cutting off.

CraigS

I have the service manual and im looking at the ignition circuit and i'm not seeing an IM could you explain what this is and where it is? Thanks again.

duowing

Well it couldn't be the fuel filter is clogged again?

jfairladyz

if it was fuel it wouldn't just die instantaneously. The car would have to run out of fuel before it died. even if the filter clogged the engine would still run on til the fuel in the lines ran out. that would cause issues first. If the engine is just shutting down with no warning what so ever then it's 99% an electrical issue.

The ignition module is the black box screwed to the side of the distributor. Sometimes called the ignition control module and I'm sure it's got other names too. Not sure what the FSM refers to it as though.

QUESTION: does the car run now??? Or is it still dead?

CraigS

Oh ok i know what youre talking about ill go check it out now clean some connectors and shake it while it runs.

CraigS

I did what you said but noting happened, could you think of a reason for my problem besides that?

RodMoyes

Could be the ignition switch itself ( or key cylinder if you prefer).

It's a common problem on these cars and often overlooked.

Try starting the car and jiggling the key... That may or may not duplicate the problem but even if it doesn't, don't rule it out as the culprit. I would guess that if it's not the IM then it is almost certainly the switch.

Rod.

CraigS

Ill have to check it out,if it doesnt cut out while jiggling the key then how could I go about checking if it is indeed broken?

CraigS

Sorry just realized you asked this question, but yes the car is now currently running. I also jiggled the key about as hard as anyone could jiggle a key and no effect.

jfairladyz

those tests are just to see if it's a weak connection causing your problem. The Ignition Module itself or the ignition switch itself could still be bad. Unfortunately though unless the problem is occuring it's impossible to determine if one of those things are the culprit without actually replacing them and seeing if the problem goes away. I struggled with IM wohs for a while til I finally narrowed it down. The only thing you can do is eliminate things you know are good until you come up with a list of suspects. Trace all the ignition circuit wiring looking for signs of damage. If you cant find anything then you can try to find a used but good replacement IM and see if your problem is solved.

On the ignition switch: check to make sure the connector is secure and all the wires to the connector are in good shape also.

My car had shut off problems for a few months. Finally I replaced the ignition module and the car didnt stall for the 2 years i still had that engine after that.

CraigS

Thanks for the info, ill try to narrow it down some and make life a little easier on my wallet.

CraigS

Well, I took off the IM and found this written on the dizzy,



The image is blurry but it says broken clip and points to the IM



I took this one to see if you guys could point out something that I couldnt see?

Thanks again!

jfairladyz

I dont see anything wrong. Are both distributor cap hold down clips on there? Thats the only thing I could think of by "broken clip" on a the dizzy. Cant tell from the pic though.

CraigS

Yup both hold down clips are there.

Now, could one of the two wires going from the IM be loose? Right now im just thinking of stuff that could could be wrong.

lifegrddude

What shape is your negative battery cable in, and is it also secure? Check all the grounds under the hood, you might have a loose connection.

EatmyDust

He could say somthing real smart *** like his cable is round and straight for shape.
but I take it he is not a smart ***.

SHADY280

for your IM diagnotiscs, go to the local junk yard and pick up a spare, install it and continue driving, if it doesnt happen, then its golden, i had the same problem for a while, then i did that and bam, it was gone. also check your coil lead wires. the + - ones. follow them and make sure they arent pinched or rubbing on anything.

CraigS

Its imposible to find a 280zx in a junk yard so im just gonna try and eliminate pritty much everything else before I decide to buy it on ebay.

You guys are blessed with being able to find datsuns in your junk yards.

jfairladyz

I'd feel blessed if I could find a 280zx within 10hrs of me I miss CA where a drive to any junkyard netted atleast a few ZX's.

lifegrddude

Would you like me to be more technical? What condition is your cable in? Is it corroded, does it securely fit to the battery and is your battery secured down? If not, it could be rubbing on the hood when driving and that will cause intermittent running. I would offer him my spare ignition module, but they're not the same between a zxt and n/a.

Does your Z stop running after it warms up or even when cold? Check the coil out too. Old coils tend to crap out after they get warm.